The Hope Patch

Hello Hope Patch Gardeners!

In a previous post, I listed five steps on how to create a Hope Patch garden. With the use of online videos on the Internet, I’ve created a short three minute video for you to view. The video shows you those five steps.

This video is streamed from AOL.com. All you have to do is click the play control buttons to view it. Please help me out by leaving on a comment on this video or let me know what other Hope Patch videos you would like to see.

Dave Pipitone, author of The Rainbow Chronicles

Hello, Hope Patch gardeners!

I have a Hope Patch sign posted on the fence above my Hope Patch. Now, I know what that little plot of land in my backyard is. So, I really don’t need the sign to remind me. Or do I?

Having a Hope Patch sign is a marker that I use to designate my Hope Patch as “holy ground.” It sets this small garden apart from the rest of the yard and calls me to focus on the growth that is taking place there. It’s a symbol of the growth that is always taking place in my own life, too. I ordered the sign from an online vendor who customized the wording for me. Here’s a picture:

Remember, it helps to use a sign, a garden stone or a marker to dedicate your own spiritual space. May your Hope Patch grow and flourish this year.

Dave Pipitone, The Rainbow Chronicles

Hello, Hope Patch gardeners!

As I promised in my previous post, I will be updating you on the progress of my Hope Patch this year. If you want to review the purpose and 5 steps for creating a Hope Patch, please read the posts from last May.

Last fall, I planted a variety of tulip bulbs in my Hope Patch. My Hope Patch doesn’t take much land in my backyard, but it provides a lot of room for “spiritual inspiration.” Here’s a picture of this little garden.

As you can see, I have a sign posted on the fence that says, “Pipitone Hope Patch.” (I’ll give you a close-up photo in the next post.) It was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit today in Streamwood, Illinois on a clear and sunny day. The tulips have broken ground and are about one inch high. (See a coming post on the “Growing of the Green.”)

It’s too late to plant tulip bulbs for this spring, since they need to be planted before the fall frost (usually October or November.) However, you can still set up a Hope Patch for summer flowers. Remember to plan your garden and plant wisely. Happy Hope Patching!

Dave Pipitone, The Rainbow Chronicles

Recently, I was doing some shopping at Michael’s Art Center and passed a Sale Display with different art plaques. Since I like sales and art, I stopped to browse. I found an attractive wall plaque, with the saying:

“As the Garden Grows, so shall the Gardener.” I liked the saying, so I bought the plaque. See the picture below:

This saying seems to have several meanings. For example, as the garden grows more beautiful, the gardener’s spirit grows more joyful. Or, as the shoots emerge, the gardener must take more responsibility to nurture, water and take care of them. And even, as the garden continues to spread and mature, its fate is linked to the care of the gardener.

Every year, I plant tulip bulbs in the fall in our Hope Patch. Stay tuned for more updates on this year’s garden.

For more information on planting, nurturing and caring for a tulip garden, visit http://www.tulipreview.com

Dave Pipitone, Author, The Rainbow Chronicles